Home

Whether you call them weiner dogs, doxies, doxy, lowriders,
dachounds, dashunds, teckel, deckel. dackle, badger dogs,
weenies or dachshunds, they are wonderfully curious dogs and
love to investigate - one has to be prepared for the unexpected.

Dachshunds are recognized by their long bodies and short legs. Their
design is the epitome of form following function. They are low to the
ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels. Their
senses are all well developed and are very independent. Being the smallest
breed used for hunting, they need to be independent to do their job.

Dachshunds were bred to be a brave, hunter. Always "defending" your yard from
"invaders", the brave wiener dog will jump into action as soon as a squirrel, rabbit
or bird may get too close. As hunting dogs, they need to be busy mentally and physically.
This directly influences the Dachshund personality as they can and will become bored if
not exercised or engaged with. They can usually get out some of their energy just by
playing with a ball, or bone, or even with a car ride. Walks are best but not the only
option. Their excitement level typically rises for 20-30 minutes then its time for a nap

Dachshunds are very stubborn and like to make their own rules even if its
inconvenient for their humans. Once they have their mind set on something they will
do anything they can think of to get their way which can be quite comical even
though it sometimes leads them into mischief if they are left alone for too long
to their own devices. The positive side of this Dachshund personality trait is their
ability to "out think" their prey and to learn and accept training. However, their
curiosity and stubbornness sometimes test their trainers as the Dachshund wants to do
things in their own way. They know what you want them to do, they just aren't sure if it
is the right time to do it

Dachshunds find their voice around 18 months old. When they do, they sound like a
big dog which makes them excellent watch dogs. Often barking as much as they can to
alert their owners of a strange odor, noise, a knock at the door, a doorbell ringing,
a person getting too close to "their" door or window etc. Even if the noise is coming
from the television and they won't stop until they are sure the "danger" has passed.
Even though they can be vocal, dachshunds are not guard dogs which are taught to attack
intruders. They may nip or bite if they feel threatened but will not attack.

A dachshunds loyalty knows no bounds. They love everyone in their family, but always
seem to gravitate to one "special" person - they have a long, low shadow following them
everywhere around the house. They definitely know which human is theirs. If that person
isn't around or unavailable, they will settle for another family member. They like to
enter into the spirit of everything you do, which isn't always the greatest help.

These are just a few of the reasons why Dachshunds have become a major part of our
family.